Mystery / Thriller
Plot/Idea: Readers will find much to sink their teeth into in Color of Blood. Yocum has crafted a twisty, engaging plot harboring a few secrets, with plenty of action, intrigue, and fast pacing.
Prose: Yocum is a solid writer, able to deftly handle action, description, and dialogue. At times there's a bit of repetition, but otherwise, Yocum demonstrates good command of language and grammar.
Originality: Yocum has succeeded in making this novel different from others in the genre by his choice of location and the gripping premise.
Character/Execution: The novel is dominated by Dennis, a strong character recovering from the loss of his wife as the story opens; supporting characters make the plot believable and dynamic.
Plot/Idea: Drayton's plot links together the residents of Chula Vista, California with unexpected connections that may shock readers. As the story unfolds, moments that initially seemed random are gifted deeper meaning, and the story is rich with jolting revelations.
Prose: Drayton's descriptive prose empowers readers to vividly imagine the plot's myriad odd occurrences, with a satisfying balance between dialogue and exposition.
Originality: Drayton's novel is often very perplexing, but the delivery is incredibly unique. The intersection of myth and technology will pique interest and leave readers contemplating the storyline long after the last page.
Character/Execution: Drayton excels at intertwining characters in an elaborate web. Each story may come across as messy or confusing, but once the true nature of the mythical El Brillo is revealed, readers will quickly connect the dots.
Plot/Idea: Sterling dives right in and sets an eerie stage as protagonist Tom Floyd searches for his missing daughter. In doing so, he uncovers secrets that pull in more shifty characters. The action moves at an even pace and reveals the truth with a slice of suspense; however, the timeline involving the suspected serial killer could use clarification.
Prose: Well-written and evenly paced, the characters' backstories round out the plot, allowing the reader to understand their hidden motivations. Even though the dialogue feels stiff toward the end of the novel, the plot unraveling is well-executed.
Originality: Utilizing familiar elements of a thriller/mystery to strong effect, Sterling keeps readers guessing with potential leads and dead ends. As the mystery concludes, the plot unfurls in a satisfying manner.
Character/Execution: Each character has a richly developed backstory that enhances the plot; Marshall is a supportive character to Hannah, allowing her to believe in herself, and Tom’s determination pays off as he finds closure—and unearths the truth.
Plot/Idea: The author works overtime to illuminate the fascinating world of crime-solving optometrist Dr. Tri. The plot lines are interesting, but the focus on several unconnected cases, as opposed to one more complex mystery over the course of the novel, becomes distracting. The book's predominant suspense is slow to surface, and more tension in the buildup would be welcome.
Prose: The author tells the story in a simple, clear manner. The text is rich with references to optometry, which gives the storyline authenticity but can also overwhelm at times.
Originality: The combination of plotlines that converge into Dr. Tri's story (small business owner, sleuth, and eye doctor) makes An Unconventional Death an interesting and unique read.
Character/Execution: The dynamic between the characters (especially Dr. Tri and Adriana) is one of the novel's strengths. It also allows readers a glimpse of the depth to Dr. Tri's character—she seems to slowly become more confident over the course of the novel. Minor plotlines and characters could be scaled back to better advance the plot.
Blurb: Readers follow the (mis)adventures of Dr. Tri, an optometrist trying to do her best for her patients while solving crime at the same time.
Plot/Idea: The School of Homer is a scenic and charming murder mystery that makes for a great summer read. Though the killer's identity may be anticipated early on, readers will still enjoy watching Costas and Virgil puzzle it out. Greek mythology and history add substance but sometimes detract from the book's mystery.
Prose: The prose is clear and engaging. The minor language barriers between Virgil and the locals make for moments of welcome levity.
Originality: The story's Greek setting is rich with culture, mythology, and history, and the relationship between Costas and Virgil is entertaining.
Character/Execution: Despite some fallback on stereotypes—the jaded cop, passionate Greeks, among others—the story's characters and interactions with each other are enjoyable.
Blurb: An enjoyable foray into Greek culture—and attempt at solving a local murder mystery—through the eyes of an ex-cop grieving the recent death of his wife.
Plot/Idea: Mink Eyes is a lively and consuming story of greed and corruption, though the opening, which examines the relationship between O'Keefe and his daughter, unfolds at a leisurely pace compared to the rest of the novel.
Prose: Flanigan's prose is sharp, and he skillfully balances the failings of his main character against the story's need for a hero, of sorts, to resolve the central conflicts.
Originality: True to its genre, Mink Eyes takes on the morally compromised side of human nature but still manages to highlight authentic, give-and-take relationships in the process.
Character/Execution: Flanigan stands out when it comes to characterization. O'Keefe is a gritty protagonist who, despite his many faults, sticks to his guns when it comes to tracking down "the bad guys." His daughter, Kelly, shows reasoning and pensive analysis far beyond her 10 years of age.
Plot/Idea: With quick, punchy scenes and plenty of action, plot is the main driver of Roman. Smooth prose bring readers into an understanding of the constantly shifting story, whether through characters acting as novices or through plain omniscient explanation.
Prose: Pote expertly manages the rapid pace of his novel, with its point of view frequently swapping between characters and its scenes turning on a dime. Readers are immediately grounded in new settings with character- and place-specific details establishing focus.
Originality: This novel follows many of the conventions of a spy novel, with a special focus on international politics and AI--a fascinating and, for now, underutilized topic of exploration.
Character/Execution: Roman, as a protagonist, is an exceptionally well-developed character, complete with traits, interests, and motivations that dig deeper than her immediate surroundings. Other characters may have received less individual attention than, for example, an offhand hatred of bats , but the well-paced plot and historical intersections largely made up for any lack in side character development.
Plot/Idea: Against the backdrop of legal thrillers, this one is eminently readable, even for fans unfamiliar with the genre. The story is logical, with well-described characters and a polished, realistic trial. However, the surprise ending is perhaps too abrupt to be absolutely believable.
Prose: Warren delivers concise, readable prose with satisfying moments of humor to lighten the courtroom drama.
Originality: A Question of Murder is distinctive in its probing of the attraction between attorney David and the accused murderer, Amanda. That dynamic lends the novel added depth beyond typical legal thrillers.
Character/Execution: Warren's characterization skills are evident throughout; Simpson's character is especially well-depicted as a thoroughly unpleasant person with many enemies, and Amanda's parents are particularly colorful.
Plot/Idea: The story's primary murder happens almost immediately, starting the action off strong. The characters are well-developed and likable, and their methodical way of investigating the murder leads to a surprise perpetrator in the end. This is a solid cozy mystery, with minimal violence and high entertainment value.
Prose: The prose is easy to read, the story engaging, and the author's style allows for humor to be injected into the narrative without sacrificing the mystery aspects.
Originality: The novel follows all the expected cozy mystery rules, but the setting and its particulars are original.
Character/Execution: The characters are well drawn, especially Autumn, a faux-hippie who wears bell bottoms, peace t-shirts, and John Lennon glasses. The women's cats, who dislike each other, are amusing as well, and eventually decide to co-exist peacefully, with the help of some of the story's quirky characters.
Plot/Idea: Reporter Digger is pursuing the story behind local flood risks and the development of a new access road, but when she catches on to the shady dealings in the developer’s past, and the potential for the construction to damage a cherished Hispanic chapel, she’s quickly on the hunt for truth. The plot is absorbing and well-organized, and the sparks between Digger and Maria add sweetness.
Prose: Rayburn writes succinctly, with clear prose that smoothly progresses the story. Dialogue between characters is effortless, and the novel’s setting comes alive in Rayburn’s capable hands.
Originality: Dirty politics and underhanded developments are old news, but the cultural elements here are reverently developed and add depth to the plot. The unexpected ending will please fans.
Character/Execution: Digger fits the bill for a journalist driven to uncover the truth, and Maria plays a forceful counterpart to Digger’s more passive moments. The story’s villains are as evil as expected, particularly developer Johnny Raposa, who eventually gets his comeuppance.
Plot/Idea: With the discovery of a dead body during an idyllic beach vacation in Jamaica, homicide detective Miles Jordan is pulled into a web of intrigue and second-guessing in this energetic mystery. The story’s brief, but the plot is entertaining and attention grabbing from the start.
Prose: Ceron nails the genre with crisp prose and an unassuming writing style that pairs well with the novel’s to-the-point plot.
Originality: Though a bit of a leap initially, the idea of a detective on vacation turned worthwhile sleuth is memorable, as is the twisty ending.
Character/Execution: The spotlight here is on Jordan, who plays his role almost predictably well, but supporting characters add nice flavor to the story on their own.
Plot/Idea: Needleneck is an intriguing tale of mystery that takes place over a scant few days. Lust, love, and murder combine in this exploration of spiritual and base desire.
Prose: Dialogue carries the novel brilliantly, though Schorb's attempts at replicating various accents produce mixed results.
Originality: The characters’ seemingly separate lives are pulled together beautifully in an immersive narrative of drugs, murder, and a priest blindly trying to help as he navigates his own moral struggles.
Character/Execution: Father Din’s desire to help people puts him on a dangerous but believable path, navigating the ways of a priest alongside his innate desire to follow in his father’s footsteps as a police officer. Monk exudes danger but manages to stay plausible, while simultaneously avoiding the comically evil.
Plot/Idea: Catechisms is a well-paced, tension-filled procedural thriller that begins with the savage murder of a priest. The author seamlessly blends plotlines that work together cohesively.
Prose: Throughout the book, the prose is strong and precise; its straightforward, unadorned nature lends itself well to the genre and events of this story.
Originality: Although the narrative occasionally leans on the conventions of the genre, it works to adapt them in a new way through a variety of perspectives. By including the harrowing story of a young man who was sexually abused by the clergy, the author sheds light on an important story.
Character/Execution: Though, in some respects, the characters are archetypal, they remain compelling and authentic.
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Plot/Idea: Langley draws readers in from the start, launching the storyline into several twists and turns while meticulously developing the main character's history. The plot is forcible and vividly illuminates Southwestern culture.
Prose: Langley writes with a consistent tone and delivers polished dialogue, allowing readers to glimpse the inner workings of each character as well as grasp the underlying social issues that accompany this intriguing mystery.
Originality: Bloodlines awakens the beauty and ruthlessness of the Southwest, and Langley masterfully balances the story's mystery elements with its profound sociocultural issues.
Character/Execution: Skye Roanhorse is likable and well-developed, with a wealth of past experiences that make him relatable and humane. Minor characters fit their roles well and bring the novel's setting to life.
Plot/Idea: Eternity's Grasp offers a hard-hitting examination of one individual's dark and violent impulses. The author immerses readers in the story of Paul Pasternak, a serial killer who primarily isolates himself from the outside world, until he meets a young English professor. When she's murdered, readers will grapple with the question of whether Paul is responsible.
Prose: Rembis writes chillingly about Paul, his urges, and murderous actions. The novel's tone is both sardonic and matter-of-fact, which allows the circumstances unfolding to be particularly unsettling.
Originality: Rembis hatches an original concept: what is a serial killer to do when someone he is close to is killed by someone else?
Character/Execution: The author achieves a unique feat in creating Paul. While his thoughts and behaviors are deeply sinister, he nevertheless emerges as somewhat sympathetic. The juxtaposition of the mundane and the horrific, keeps readers on edge and invested in the complex storytelling.
Plot/Idea: Book five of the Nico Argenti series set in Renaissance Italy sees the titular lawyer investigating an uprising in Pisa. Readers will benefit from reading the previous books to gain more background on Nico, but Tentarelli nicely lays out the circumstances while providing historical context for the events that transpire.
Prose: The author maintains a highly readable and finely detailed prose style that will keep readers engaged.
Originality: Tentarelli carves out a unique storytelling niche through the Italian Renaissance setting and the distinctive nature of Nico's investigations. Tentarelli's series offers undeniable appeal for mystery lovers and those entranced by the era.
Character/Execution: Readers will be charmed by Nico Argenti as he sets out to investigate insurrection in Pisa. The Italian locales, customs, and mise-en-scène are all beautifully established, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the circumstances.
